Are you stumped by today’s New York Times Mini Crossword? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Crossword puzzles, especially the concise and clever NYT Mini, can sometimes throw us for a loop. And when a clue like “Winter holiday gift that’s hard to wrap” pops up, it can really get those brain cells working overtime. Let’s dive into the answers for a recent NYT Mini puzzle and explore why some winter holiday gifts are notoriously tricky to wrap.
NYT Mini Crossword Answers: November 6th Puzzle Breakdown
This particular NYT Mini puzzle, published on November 6th, featured some classic clues and answers. For those who enjoy a quick mental workout, the Mini is a perfect daily challenge. Let’s break down the solutions, paying special attention to that winter holiday gift clue.
Across Clues and Answers
-
1 Across: Alternative to Saran wrap — FOIL
When it comes to kitchen wraps, foil is indeed a sturdy alternative to Saran wrap, especially for tasks like baking or grilling.
-
5 Across: Get on the nerves of — ANNOY
A common feeling when facing a tricky crossword clue or perhaps, trying to wrap an oddly shaped gift!
-
7 Across: Depart — LEAVE
Simple and straightforward, a classic crossword answer.
-
8 Across: Highway divisions — LANES
Navigating the lanes of a highway is much like navigating the clues of a crossword – you need to stay in your lane to reach your destination!
-
9 Across: Winter holiday gift that’s hard to wrap — SLED
And here it is, the clue that might have given you pause! SLED. A sled is undeniably a quintessential winter holiday gift, evoking images of snowy hills and joyful rides. But try wrapping one! Its long, runners and awkward shape make it a wrapping paper nightmare. This clue perfectly captures the fun, yet sometimes impractical, nature of winter holiday gifts.
Down Clues and Answers
-
1 Down: Niagara attraction … whose last letter can be moved to the end of 7-Across to spell two timely words — LEAVE
The Niagara attraction is FALLS. Moving the “S” from FALLS to the end of LEAVE gives you LEAVES, perfectly “timely words” for the fall season leading into winter holidays.
-
2 Down: Basketball star who co-hosts the ABC game show Lucky 13 — O’NEAL
Shaquille O’Neal, the basketball legend, co-hosts the game show, making this a fun pop-culture clue.
-
3 Down: Silly as all get-out — INANE
Another word for something utterly ridiculous or nonsensical.
-
4 Down: Gave a ❤️ in a text thread — LOVED
In the digital age, expressing love can be as simple as sending a heart emoji.
-
6 Down: “Of course!” — YES
A simple affirmation, often used when an answer is obvious or agreed upon.
The Joy and Challenge of Winter Holiday Gift Wrapping
The “SLED” answer highlights a common experience during the winter holidays: the challenge of wrapping gifts. While some presents come in neat, boxy shapes, others, like sleds, bikes, or oddly shaped toys, require creative wrapping solutions. This clue playfully reminds us that the thought and joy behind a gift are what truly matter, even if the wrapping isn’t perfect.
Conclusion: More Than Just Answers
The NYT Mini Crossword is more than just a set of answers; it’s a daily mental exercise that often reflects everyday life and seasonal themes. The “winter holiday gift hard to wrap” clue, leading to “SLED,” is a perfect example of how these puzzles can be both challenging and relatable. So, next time you’re struggling to wrap a uniquely shaped winter holiday gift, remember the NYT Mini – and maybe opt for a gift bag instead!
